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And so another medication change begins Mirtazapine to Olanzapine

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Posted 8/30/2016 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Folks

So I have read others threads on medication start up's and changes and found them helpful so thought I would journal my experience here when I remember to update lol.

I am going to be weaning of the max dose of Mirtazapine 45mg and replacing it with Olanzapine at 7.5mg.

Today is day one.

I have reduced my Mirtazapine by 15mg to 30mg and will stay at this dosage for 4 weeks before dropping by another 15mg. Mirtazapine is a tough one to stop I was on it about 7yrs ago and found the last part of the weaning process hard so my pdoc wants me to take double the time to stop. The last time I reduced by 15mg a week and then stopped this time it will be 8 weeks before I even consider that last steps will keep you all posted.

I have also started my Olanzapine tonight at 2.5mg and every time I drop dosage of my Mirtazapine I will increase the Olanzapine by 2.5g aiming for target dose of 7.5mg. I was cautious about starting this medication as I have heard a fair few horror stories and stupidly googled it which was a mistake. I decided to take it though as I have been suffering crippling anxiety since the beginning of this year which was triggered by dealings with the Department Of Work And Pensions here in the UK regarding my sickness benefits.

I will also be remaining on 60mg Prozac with no changes and of course will continue with all of my self help such as Mindfulness Meditation and skills learned during CBT and Schema Therapy.

Wish me luck.

Hibee
Posted 8/30/2016 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hibee,

Best wishes during this transition my friend!

As for your discontinuation...I am sure you will have an easier time this round since you are doing a much more gradual wean.

I am not familiar with the new Rx...but believe you can trust your prescribing doctor. Remember that it is just human nature to tend to review negative experiences...as opposed to when one is satisfied...and as a result most reviews are not encouraging. However, there are many people who've had a positive experience...you just may never read about it...

You can do this...and you don't go it alone! We are here...just let us know when you need support and encouragement. :)

Cheering you on!

S.C.
Posted 8/30/2016 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck Hibee! I hope everything goes smoothly and you get some relief real soon.
Posted 8/30/2016 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck, Hibs!
We're with you in support all the way!
Posted 8/31/2016 7:46 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys I appreciate your support.

Day2

Well that was not as bad as I thought in-fact I'm not feeling any different although I did sleep slightly better last night which is a positive. I was expecting the Olanzapine to make me feel really tired but it didn't I will keep you all posted.

This morning I have also started something new which is drinking a pint of warm lemon water with fresh ginger as I have read that it can be a really helpful thing for your body. So for something so simple to make why not give it a try. Does anyone else do this?

Hibee
Posted 8/31/2016 12:02 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck, my friend!
Posted 8/31/2016 1:22 PM (GMT 0)
Glad Day 1 was not so bad. Hope the rest of them move in a positive direction!
Posted 8/31/2016 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
Lemon and ginger=Vitamin C, antioxidants, good for digestion...and of course the hydration factor...can't go wrong there! :)

So glad you are feeling well so far...may it continue!

S.C.
Posted 8/31/2016 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck
Posted 9/1/2016 7:24 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks folks.

Day 3

I think the Olanzapine is definitely helping me sleep but not noticed any change in anxiety as yet but it's early days. I was getting really bad nightmares when I was getting to sleep which were waking me up in panic mode they have now stopped so that is my first positive of Olanzapine.

Hibee
Posted 9/1/2016 10:02 AM (GMT 0)
Seems like a pretty big positive!
Posted 9/2/2016 12:38 PM (GMT 0)
Day 4

Feeling much the same as yesterday.

Will leave it a few days before next update.

Hibee
Posted 9/2/2016 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
Holing steady....it can be a good thing.

...still sending positive thoughts for success!

S.C.
Posted 9/4/2016 8:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Folks

I have not had much problems almost feel ready to drop down to 15mg but going to stick with the pdoc weaning schedule.

With regards to the Olanzapine I have found it to be good so far it does not make me feel tired as I was expecting it to but maybe thats because I'm on the lowest dose at the moment?? The other big one with this med is weight gain but I have continued with my exercise programme and my weight is still going down so all good. To think I almost talked myself out of taking this medication because I made the mistake of looking for reviews on line and all there was were horror stories.

Hibee
Posted 9/4/2016 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
And Just how many times have you advised others about avoiding Google? Lol. Glad it's all positive so far.
Posted 9/4/2016 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
Lol yes I need to practice what I preach
Posted 9/5/2016 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
Glad you are still finding the transition to be going in a positive direction!!!

Hugs and high fives...keep up the great work!

S.C.
Posted 9/6/2016 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Day 8

I have had a really bad headache all day which i'm putting down to a withdrawal symptom of lowering my Mirtazapine. I think Mirtazapine has a long shelf life so it's probably taken until today for my body to register the drop in 15mg.

Nothing to report with the Olanzapine.

Hibee
Posted 9/6/2016 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hopefully you'll get a good night's sleep and it will be gone in the morning.
Posted 9/13/2016 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
Update.

Ive not had any problems really and my sleep has improved and now starting to see an improvement with my anxiety. My next adjustment is not till the end of this month so will do my next update then.

Hibee
Posted 9/13/2016 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
tongue :-) :-) turn smilewinkgrin wink cool yeah

I am so happy to hear this Hibee!!!

This is simply wonderful news...may it continue.:) Great job on taking a leap of faith with your switch...trusting your doctor...and working hard towards your best recovery with your Rx switch, therapy and self help!!

S.C.
Posted 9/13/2016 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Awesome!
Posted 9/14/2016 8:41 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your support guys.

Hibee
Posted 9/14/2016 10:42 AM (GMT 0)
proud of ya mate.
Posted 9/15/2016 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
isnt olanzipine sim to abilify?
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